Nikon D300 User Manual
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Nikon D300 User Manual

Nikon D300 User Manual

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  • Page 1 Nikon DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual...
  • Page 2 Where to Find It Find what you're looking for from: Know what you want to do but don't know the function name? Find it from the "question and answer" index. Find items by function or menu name. A brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictures right away.
  • Page 3 Package Contents Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. Memory cards are sold separately. • D300 digital camera (pg. 3) • Body cap (pp. 34, 368) • BM-8 LCD monitor cover (pg. 19) • DK-5 eyepiece cap (pg. 20) •...
  • Page 4 High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. PictBridge is a trademark. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks registered trademarks of their respective holders.
  • Page 5 [] Introduction [] Tutorial [] Image RecordingOptions [] Focus [] ReleaseMode [] ISOSensitivity [] Exposure [] White Balance [] Image Enhancement [] FlashPhotography [] Other Shooting Options [] More About Playback [] Menu Guide [] TechnicalNotes_...
  • Page 6 Find what you're looking for using this "question and answer" iiill index. II New Features _iill How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW) 14-bit NEF (RAW) photos? Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view Can I control how photos are processed? iiiii:i_...
  • Page 7 _i!i: i i iiill __ii i_ Question Key phrase See page How do I set the clock? How do I set the clock for daylight World time 37,315 savings time? iill How do I change time zones when travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness LCD brightness...
  • Page 8 ..... Question ...... -°_=_Ke_;pilrase _...._'°Seepage- How do I get more information about the battery? Battery info How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory File number sequence card? How do I reset file numbering to 1? How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera...
  • Page 9 _-_:::_' Question -::!T_--Key phrase See page Can I set both shutter speed and aperture Exposure mode/I (manual) manually? Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation iiiI :_i Long time-exposures How do I make a time exposure? Exposure and flash Can I vary exposure or flash level...
  • Page 10 Question Key phrase Seepage How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Deleting individual _hotos Can I delete several photos at once? Delete iiii_ ii Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure Playback zoom iiill _iiii they're in focus? Can I protect photos...
  • Page 11 II Viewingor Printing Photographson Other Devices _-"_-_='_°_-° Question Keyphrase See°page _- Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI Connecting to a How do I copy photos to my computer? computer How do I print photographs?

  • Page 12: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Q&A Index ....................For Your Safety .................. xviii Notices ..................... Introduction Overview ....................Getting to Know the Camera .............. Camera Body ..................3 The Control Panel ................8 The Viewfinder Display ..............10 The Shooting Information Display ..........12 The Command Dials ...............
  • Page 13 Viewing Photographs ..........Deleting Unwanted Photographs ........Image Recording Options Image Quality ..................Image Size ....................Focus Focus Mode ................... AF-Area Mode ..................Focus Point Selection ................. Focus Lock ....................Manual Focus ..................Release Mode Choosing a Release Mode ..............74 Continuous Mode ................
  • Page 14 Exposure Metering ....................Exposure Mode ................... P: Programmed Auto ..............,5:Shutter-Priority Auto .............. R: Aperture-Priority Auto ............!I: Manual ..................Autoexposure (AE) Lock ..............Exposure Compensation ..............Bracketing .................... White Balance White Balance Options ..............Fine-Tuning White Balance ............Choosing a Color Temperature ............
  • Page 15 Other Shooting Options Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings ....... 1 82 Multiple Exposure ................Interval Timer Photography ............189 Non-CPU Lenses ................. Using a GPS Unit ................More About Playback Full-Frame Playback ................. Photo Information ................Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback .....
  • Page 16 Menu Guide The Playback Menu: Managing Images ....... 246 Delete ................... 248 Playback Folder ................. 249 Hide Image ................. 249 Display Mode ................250 Image Review ................251 After Delete ................251 Rotate Tall ................... 251 Slide Show .................. 252 Print Set (DPOF) ................
  • Page 17 a3: D ynamic AF Area ..........a4: F ocus Tracking withLock-On ........aS: AF Activation ............. a6: AF Point lllumination ..........a7: F ocus Point Wrap-Around ........aB: AFPoint Selection ..........a9: B uilt-in AF-assist llluminator ........aI0:AF-On forMB-DI 0..........b:Metering/Exposure ..........
  • Page 18 e7: B racketing Order ........... f:Controls ..............f1: M ulti S elector Center Button ........f2: M ulti S elector ............f3:Photo I nfo/Playback ..........f4: A ssign FUNC. Button ..........fS: A ssign Preview Button ..........f6: A ssign AE-L/AF-L Button .
  • Page 19 Monochrome ................Filter Effects ................Color Balance ................Image Overlay ................Side-by-Side Comparison ............My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu ........344 Technical Notes Compatible Lenses ................Optional Flash Units (Speedlights) ..........357 Other Accessories ................Caring for the Camera ..............Storage ....................
  • Page 20 To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.
  • Page 21 Do not use in the presence of flammable metal objects such as necklaces hairpins. Do not use electronic equipment • Batteries are prone to leakage in the presence of flammable gas, when fully discharged. To avoid as this could result in explosion damage to the product,...
  • Page 22 • Using the flash close to the exposed, take the power cable to subject's eyes could cause a Nikon-authorized service temporary visual impairment. Particular care should representative for inspection. Failure to observe this precaution...

  • Page 23: Notices

    : ¸ Notices • No part of the manuals included with this • Nikon will not be held liable for any product may be reproduced, damages resulting from the use of this transmitted, transcribed, stored in a product. retrieval system, or translated into any •...
  • Page 24 Notices for Customers in Canada CAUTION ATTENTION This Class B digital apparatus complies Cet appareil num_rique de la classe B est with Canadian ICES-O03. conforme _ la norme NMB-003 Canada. Notices for Customers in Europe This symbol indicates that This symbol on the battery this product is to be...
  • Page 25 (including battery chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry. The use of non-Nikon...
  • Page 26 (such as at weddings before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction. Life-Long Learning As part of Nikon's "Life-Long...

  • Page 27: Introduction

    ii ii Introduction This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts. Overview ................pg. 2 Getting to Knowthe Camera ......... pg. 3 Camera Body ..................pg. 3 The Control Panel ................pg. 8 The Viewfinder Display ..............

  • Page 28: Overview

    Thank you for your purchase ofa Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from the camera, and keep them where they will be read by all those who use the product.

  • Page 29: Getting To Know The Camera

    Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual. Camera Body _'_/ 1 Release mode dial ....... 7 5 8 Power switch ........
  • Page 30 Camera Body (Continued) Built-in flash .......171 9 Video connector ......242 10 HDMI connector ......244 2 Flash pop-up button ....171 11 DC-IN connector 3 _ (flash mode) button ....171 (flash compensation) optional AC adapter EH-Sa button .......... 1 76 or EH-5 ..........
  • Page 31 AF-assist illuminator ....273 8 CPU contacts Self-timer lamp ......9 0 9 Mounting index ......3 4 Red-eye reduction lamp ..174 10 Lens mount ........7 2 2 Sub-command dial ..... 1 4 1! Tripod socket 3 Depth-of-field preview 12 Body cap ........
  • Page 32 Camera Body (Continued) !!/_ 1 Viewfinder eyepiece ....4 3 (protect) button ....221 ? (help) button ......2 9 2 DK-23 viewfinder [] (info) button ......1 2 eyepiece cup ......... 20 3 • (delete) button ....54, 222 8 ql_ (thumbnail/playback zoom out) button .....
  • Page 33 7 Focus selector lock .....66 1 Diopter adjustment control ..43 8 Memory card slot cover ....39 2 Metering selector .....101 3 _I:_ (AE/AF lock) 9 Memory card access button ......6 8, 69, 306 lamp ......... 40, 52 4 AF-ON (AF-ON) button ..63, 83 10 AF-area mode selector .....64 5 Main command...

  • Page 34: The Control Panel

    The Control Panel j l ..AUTO ......C _ C _ K--12 0.017 T FF Color temperature indicator ..133 Image quality ........57 Auto-area AF indicator ....65 Sh utter speed ...... 106, 109 AF-area mode indicator ....
  • Page 35 14 Flash mode .........171 23 Image comment indicator ..316 24 Shooting menu bank ....2 55 15 "Beep" indicator ......281 25 Custom settings bank ....266 16 Aperture (f-number) ..107, 109 Aperture 26 Exposure and flash bracketing indicator ....1 17 (number of stops) ......

  • Page 36: The Viewfinder Display

    The Viewfinder Display 11 12...
  • Page 37 14 Number of exposures 1 Framing grid (displayed when [On] is selected for remaining ........45 Custom Setting d2) ....281 Number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills... 51,77 2 Focus points ......6 6,272 White balance recording 3 AF area brackets ....4 3, 81 indicator ........

  • Page 38: The Shooting Information Display

    The Shooting Information Display Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, the number of exposures remaining, buffer capacity, and AF-area mode, is displayed in the monitor when the button is pressed. To clear shooting information from the monitor, press the [] [] button button again or press the shutter-release button halfway.
  • Page 39 Exposure mode ......... 102 19 Image size ..........60 Flexible program indicator ... 105 20 Electronic analog exposure display ..........111 Flash sync indicator ......288 21 FV lock indicator ....... 179 Shutter speed ......106, 109 22 150 sensitivity indicator ....94 Exposure compensation value..

  • Page 40: The Command Dials

    The Command Dials The main- and sub-command dials are used alone or in combination with other controls to adjust a variety of settings. Fn button Bracketing Flashmode/ Flash compensation QUAL button Image q uality/size White balance ISObutton sensitivity...
  • Page 41 II Image QualityondSize Press tile QUAL button and rotate the command dials. Set image quality (pg. 57) QUAL button Main command dial Control panel Choosean image size (pg.60) [5_q)J QUAL button Sub-command dial Control panel II ISOSensitivity Press the ISObutton and rotate the main command dial.
  • Page 42 II Expos.re Press theMODE button and rotate the main command dial to choose the exposure mode. Choose the exposuremode (pg. 102) y's2s MODEbutton Main command dial Control panel Use the command dials to adjust exposure. Choosea ;;)i'4_'_' I combinationof aperture and shutterspeed_NO--_iRMC,_ ___ (exposure mode P;...
  • Page 43 Set exposure compensation (pg. 114) [] button Main command dial Control panel Activate or cancel bracketing/ selectnumber of shotsin bracketing Fnbutton Main command dial Control panel sequence (pp. 117,120) exposure _[] L Select bracketing _!_/!_I-_-\_J_J (pg. 118) \ !_ _/i_) i_ "...
  • Page 44 II WhiteBalance Press the WB button and rotate the command dials. Choose a white balancesetting (pg. 127) WB button Main command dial Control panel Fine-tune white balance (pg. 132), set color temperature (pg. 133), or WB button Sub-command dial Control panel choose a white balancepreset(pg.
  • Page 45 Attaching the AN-D300 Camera Strap Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below. The BM-8 Monitor Cover A clear plastic cover is provided with the camera to keep the monitor clean and protect it when the camera is not in use.
  • Page 46 The DK-23 Viewfinder Eyepiece Before attaching the DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap and other viewfinder ccessories (pp. 89, 366), remove the DK-23 viewfinder eyepiece cup by placing your fingers underneath the flanges on either side and sliding it offas shown at right. The DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap is used in self-timer (pg.

  • Page 47: Quick Start Guide

    Follow these steps foraquick start w iththeD300. 1 Charge the battery (pg. 30). 2 Insert the battery (pg. 32). 3 Attach a lens (pg. 34). Mounting index Insert a memory card (pg. 39). Front 5 Turn the camera on (pg. 44).
  • Page 48 6 Check camera settings (pp. 44, 47). I Exp°surem°de Imagesize Batterylevel ,magequa,ity i ______l Number °f exp°sures rema'n'ng 1 [ White balance ] ISOsensitivity Controlpanel Viewfinderdisplay Select single-servo autofocus (pp. 49, 62). Rotate the focus-mode selector to S (single-servo autofocus). Focus and shoot (pp.

  • Page 49: Tutorial

    Tutorial This section describes how to use the ca mera menus, how to ready the camera for use, and how to take your first pictures and play them back. Camera Menus .............. pg. 24 Using Camera Menus ..............pg. 26 Help ......................

  • Page 50: Camera Menus

    MENU b utton Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the MENU button. Tabs Choose from playback, shooting, Slider shows position in current Custom Settings, setup, retouch, menu. and My menus (see following page).
  • Page 51 II Menus The following menus are available: _-_:i'_"i_"i_"i-Menu _ °'u' _'_'I_'I_'I_': Description Adjust playback settings and manage photos Playback (pg. 246). I_1 Shooting Adjust shooting settings (pg. 254). Custom Settings Personalize camera settings (pg. 264). Format memory cards and perform basic camera Setup setup (pg.

  • Page 52: Using Camera Menus

    Using Camera Menus II Menu Controls The multi selector and 0 button are used to navigate the menus. Select Move cursor up highlighted _item Select Canceland return item . //_ ./._\_. highlighted to previous menu 41_ _ mll_ O red_ : p Iaysub- Q button Select highlighted Move cursor down...
  • Page 53 Select a menu. Press• or • to select the desired menu. © © Position the cursor in the selected menu. Press I_ to position the cursor in the selected menu. Highlight a menu item. Press • or • to highlight ©...
  • Page 54 8 Select t he highlighteditem. Press @ to select the highlighted item. To exit without making a selection, press the MENU button. @ button Note the following points: • Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available. •...

  • Page 55: Help

    Help_ If a ? icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the o-n (?) button. description of the currently selected option or menu will be displayed while the button is pressed. Press • or • to scroll through the display.

  • Page 56: First Steps

    Charge the Battery The D300 is powered by an EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). The EN-EL3e is not fully charged at shipment. To maximize shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-18a quick charger before use. About two and a quarter hours are required to fully recharge the battery when no charge remains.
  • Page 57 Insert the battery. Insert the battery into the charger. CHARGE lamp will blink while the battery charges. Remove the battery when charging is complete. Charging is complete when the CHARGE lamp stops blinking. Remove the battery and unplug the charger.

  • Page 58: Insert The Battery

    Insert the Battery Turn the camera off. Power switch Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries. Open the battery-chamber cover. Open the battery-chamber cover on the bottom of the camera. Insertthe battery. Insert the battery as shown at right. Close the battery-chamber cover.
  • Page 59 The Battery and Charger Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xviii-xx and 3 79-382 o f this manual. To prevent short-circuits, replace the terminal cover when the battery is not in use. Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below O°C (32°F) or above 40°C (I04°F).

  • Page 60: Attach A Lens

    Attach a Lens Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed. Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap. After confirming that the camera is off, remove the rear lens cap from the lens and remove the camera body cap.
  • Page 61 Remove the lens cap. II Detachinothe Lens Be sure the camera is offwhen removing exchanging lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lens release button while turning the lens clockwise. After removing the lens, replace the lens caps and camera body cap. [I_ CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings In the case of CPU lenses equipped...

  • Page 62: Basic Setup

    Basic Setup The language option in the setup menu is automatically highlighted the first time menus are displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date. Turn the camera on. Power switch Select [Language]. MENU b utton Press MENU to display the camera menus, then select [Language] in the setup menu.
  • Page 63 Select [World time]. Select [World time] and press Set time zone. A time-zone selection dialog will be displayed. Press • or I_ to highlight the local time zone (the [UTC] field shows the difference between selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in hours) and press @.
  • Page 64 Set date format. Press • or • to choose the order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed press 0. Exit to shooting mode. Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit to shooting mode. The Clock Battery The camera clock is powered by an independent, rechargeable...

  • Page 65: Insert A Memory Card

    Insert a Memory Card The camera stores photographs on CompactFlash and microdrive memory cards (available separately; pg. 371 ). The following section describes how to insert and format a memory card. Turn the camera off. switch Power Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing memory cards.
  • Page 66 Close the card slot cover. II Removing Memory Cards Turn the camera off. Confirm that the access lamp is off and turn the camera off. Access lamp Remove the memory card. Open the memory card slot cover and press the eject button (_rl_)to partially eject the card (_r2_).

  • Page 67: Format The Memory Card

    Format the Memory Card Memory cards must be formatted before first use. Format the card as described below. _I_ Formatting Memory Cards Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they may con rain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish to keep to a computer before proceeding (pg.
  • Page 68 Press the F0_buttons again. Press the _0_ (MODE and _) buttons together a second time to format the memory card. Do not remove the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source during formatting. When formatting is complete, control panel and viewfinder will show the number of photographs that can...

  • Page 69: Adjust Viewfinder Focus

    Adjust Viewfinder Focus The camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. Check that the display in the viewfinder is in focus before shooting. Turn the camera on. Powerswitch Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on. Focus the viewfinder.

  • Page 70: Basic Photography And Playback

    Turn the Camera Before taking photographs, turn the camera on and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining as described below. Turn the camera on. Powerswitch Turn the camera on. The control panel will turn on and the display in the viewfinder will light.
  • Page 71 Check the number of exposures remaining. The exposure-count displays in the kL f _ control panel and viewfinder show the number of photographs that L_°°"l< J _-A---/-/-_J can be taken at current settings. When this number reaches zero, will flash in the exposure-count displays while the shutter-speed...
  • Page 72 LCD Illuminators Holding the power switch in the -',6.'. Power switch position activates the exposure meters and control panel backlights (LCD illuminators), allowing the display to be read in the dark. After the power switch is released, the illuminator will remain lit for six seconds (at default settings) while the camera exposure...

  • Page 73: Adjust Camera Settings

    Adjust Camera Settings This tutorial describes how to take photos at default settings. Check camera settings. I Exposure mode _--_2 FS S _ Image size imagequality 2___"_lJ White balance ISO sensitivity Control panel Viewfinder display Default settings are listed below. _-O_p_t i_°on_°_-_i)efa uit _ Description ..
  • Page 74 Choose exposure mode,P. MODE button Press the MODE button and rotate the main command dial to select exposure mode P. The camera will automatically adjust shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. Main command dial Choose single frame Release mode dial lock release...
  • Page 75 Focus-mode Choose single-servo selector autofocus. Rotate the focus-mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to S(single-servo autofocus). At this setting, the camera will automatically focus on the subject in the selected focus point when the shutter- release button is pressed halfway.

  • Page 76: Ready The Camera

    Ready the Camera When framing photographs in the viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. Keep your elbows propped lightly against your torso for support and place one foot halfa pace ahead of the other to keep you upper body stable.

  • Page 77: Focus And Shoot

    Focus and Shoot Press the shutter- release button halfway to focus (pg. 52). At default settings, the camera will focus on the subject in the center Focus Buffer focus point. Frame a indicator capacity photo in the viewfinder with the main subject positioned in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button...
  • Page 78 Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot. Smoothly press the shutter- release-button the rest of the Access lamp way down to take the picture. While the photograph is being recorded to the memory card, the access lamp next to the card slot cover will light.

  • Page 79: Viewing Photographs

    Viewing Photographs Press the[] button. A photograph will be displayed in the monitor. View additional pictures. Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing • or I_. To view additional information on the current photograph, press • and • (pg. 206). To end playback and return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release...
  • Page 80 Deleting Unwanted Photographs To delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the @ button. Note that photographs can not be recovered once deleted. Display the photograph. Display the photograph you wish to delete as described "Viewing Photographs" on the previous page. [] button Deletethe photograph.

  • Page 81: Image Recording Options

    Image Recording Options This section describes how to choose image quality and size. Image Quality ..............pg. 56 Image Size ................pg. 60...
  • Page 82 =_-6[_io_-;-: Fiie_pe '-;!:_:_:_;_:-°:=_rip_io-._-!_T -_'_::; RAW data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory card in Nikon Electronic Format (NEF). Use with images that will be transferred to a computer for printing NEF (RAW) processing. Note that once transferred...
  • Page 83 Image quality is set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel. QUAL button Main command dial Control panel NEF (RAW) Recording The [NEF (RAW) recording] item in the shooting menu controls compression (pg.
  • Page 84 II The JPE6CompressionMenu The [JPEG compression] item in the shooting menu offers following options for JPEG images: ...._6i_fio__nO: ...._:!:_::..:.i.::__bes.criOi_ion_O::. :7_:,o._o._o,o._ Size priority Images are compressed to produce relatively uniform file size. Quality varies with scene "'; (default) recorded. Optimal image quality.
  • Page 85 II TheNEF(RA W) Recording Menu:NEF(RA W) Bit Depth The [NEF (RAW) recording] > [NEF (RAW) bit depth] item in the shooting menu offers the following bit-depth options for NEF (RAW) images: Description =_;'-Optio-n-_ T" 12-bit NEF (RAW) images are recorded at a bit-depth of 12 bits.
  • Page 86 Image size is measured in pixels. Choose from the following options: -2 Print size in inches equals image size in pixels divided by printer resolution in dots per inch (dpi; 1 inch = approximately 2.54 cm). Print size decreases printer resolution increases.

  • Page 87: Focus

    FOCUS - Controlling How the Camera Focuses This section describes the options that control how your camera focuses. Focus Mode ..............pg. 62 AF-Area Mode ..............pg. 64 Focus PointSelection ............pg.66 Focus Lock ................pg. 68 ManualFocus ..............pg. 71...
  • Page 88 Focus-mode selector Focus mode is controlled by the focus-mode selector on the front of the camera. There are two autofocus (AF) modes, in which the camera focuses automatically when the shutter-release button pressed halfway, and one manual focus mode, in which focus must be adjusted manually using the focusing ring on the lens: Description...
  • Page 89 The AF-ON Button For the purpose of focusing the camera, pressing AF-ONbutton the AF-ON button has the same effect as pressing the shutter-release button halfway. Predictive Focus Tracking In continuous-servo AF, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject moves toward or away from the camera while the shutter- release button is pressed halfway or the AF-ON button...
  • Page 90 AF-area mode determines how the focus point is selected in autofocus mode. To select the AF-area mode, rotate the AF-area mode selector. The following options are available: AF-area mode selector Description -_°_1_o_..User selects focus point manually; camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only.
  • Page 91 AF-Area Mode t25 r5.8_ _ _] AF-area mode is shown in the control panel. AF-area mode indicator ............A F -_-ar earn _ o_de.............. Co=n {l;o i=pa-ne i: E-3 Single-pointAF " _ Custom Setting a3 ([Dynamic AF area], pg. 269) 9 points (default) C ""...
  • Page 92 The D300 offers a choice of 51 focus points that together cover a wide area of the frame. The focus point can be selected manually, allowing photographs to be composed with the main subject AF-area mode selector positioned almost anywhere in the frame (single-point and dynamic-...
  • Page 93 See Also For information on choosing when the focus point is illuminated, Custom Setting a6 ([AF point illumination], pg. 271). For information setting focus-point selection to "wrap around" see Custom Setting a7 ([Focus point wrap-around], pg. 272). For information on choosing number of focus points that can be selected using the multi selector, see...
  • Page 94 Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition. It can also be used when the autofocus system is unable to focus (pg. 70). Focus.
  • Page 95 Continuous-servo A F Press the AE-L/AF-L b utton to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-Licon appears in the viewfinder, see page 112). Focus and exposure will remain locked while the AE-LIAF-L button is pressed, even if Shutter-release you later remove your finger from the button shutter-release button.
  • Page 96 Getting Good Results with Autofocus Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. The shutter release may be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indicator (II) may be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allowing shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus.
  • Page 97 Manual focus is available for Focus-mode selector lenses that do not support autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses) or when the autofocus does not produce the desired results (pg. 70). To focus manually, set the focus-mode selector to M and adjust the lens focusing ring until the image displayed on the clear matte field in the viewfinder...
  • Page 98 The Electronic Rangefinder If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 51 focus points).

  • Page 99: Release Mode

    Release Mode - Single Frame, Continuous, Live View, Self-Timer, or Mirror Release mode determines how the camera takes photographs: one at a time, in a continuous sequence, with the view through the lens displayed in the monitor, with a timed shutter-release delay, or with the mirror raised to enhance shutter response and minimize...
  • Page 100 The camera supports the following release modes: Mode Description Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release Single frame button is pressed. While shutter-release button is held down, camera records Continuous 1-6 frames per second. 1 Frame rate can be chosen using low speed Custom Setting d4 ([CL mode shooting speed], pg.
  • Page 101 To choose a release mode, press Release mode dial lock release the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to the desired setting. Release mode dial...
  • Page 102 To take pictures in CH(continuous high speed) and CL(continuous low speed) modes: Select CHor CL mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to CHor C[. Release mode dial Frame a photograph, focus, shoot. While the shutter-release button pressed all the way down, pictures will be taken at up to 6 fps...

  • Page 103: Iso Sensitivity

    Power Source Frame Rate maximum frame advance rate varies with power source used. __o,_o_U.=Power ......source _lr='_°-°_=_Uaxlmum ............ frame advance rate T=_ Battery (EN-EL3e) 6 fps 2 AC adapter 8 fps 3 MB-D10 battery pack 6 fps 2 with EN-EL3e battery MB-D10 battery...
  • Page 104 The Memory Buffer The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. Up to 100 photographs can be taken in succession; note, however, that frame rate will drop when the buffer is full. In rare cases, flame rate may also drop when a microdrive memory card is used.
  • Page 105 Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live ew) Select live view (1_) mode to frame pictures in the monitor. The following options are available: • Hand-held(_1): Choose when taking hand-held shots of moving subjects, or when framing photographs at angles that make it difficult to use the viewfinder (pg.
  • Page 106 Hand-Held Mode Select live view mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to @. Release mode dial Adjust [Live view] options in the shooting menu. Select [Live view] in the shooting menu and choose [Hand-held] for [Live view mode].
  • Page 107 Frame a picture in the monitor. To magnify the view in the monitor up to 3 ×, press the button. button While the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the display. Use the multi selector to scroll within the AF area brackets.
  • Page 108 Take the picture. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to reset focus and exposure and take the picture. If continuous high speed continuous low speed is selected for [Release mode], monitor will turn off while the shutter-release button pressed.
  • Page 109 Tripod Mode Ready the camera. Mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface. Select live view mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to I]_. Release mode dial Adjust [Live view] options in the shooting menu.
  • Page 110 Press the shutter-release button all the way down. The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor. The subject will no longer be visible in the viewfinder. To exit without taking a picture, rotate the release mode dial to another setting or press MENU.
  • Page 111 To magnify the view in the monitor up to 13 x and check focus, press the _ button. While the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the display. Use the multi selector to scroll to areas of the frame not visible in the monitor.
  • Page 112 _I_ Focusing with Contrast-Detect Autofocus Contrast-detect autofocus will take longer than normal (phase-detection) autofocus. In the following situations, the camera may be unable to focus using contrast-detect autofocus: • The camera is not mounted on a tripod • The subject contains lines parallel to the long edge of the frame •...
  • Page 113 [I_ Shooting in Live View Mode Although they will not appear in the final picture, banding or distortion may be visible in the monitor under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or if an object moves at high speed through the frame.
  • Page 114 The Shooting Information Display To hide or display indicators in the monitor in live view mode, press the [] button. Shooting information Shooting information Monitor Brightness Monitor brightness can be adjusted by pressing the [] button while the view through the monitor is displayed.
  • Page 115 Self-Timer Mode The self-timer can be used to reduce camera shake or for self- portraits. To use the self-timer, mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or place the camera on a stable, level surface and follow the steps below: Select self-timer mode.
  • Page 116 Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer. The self-timer lamp (AF-assist illuminator) will start to blink and a beep will begin to sound. Two seconds before the photograph is taken, the self-timer lamp will stop blinking and the beeping will become more rapid.
  • Page 117 Choose this mode to minimize blurring caused by camera movement when the mirror is raised. Use of a tripod recommended. Select mirror up mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to MuP. Release mode dial Raise the mirror.

  • Page 119: Choosing Iso Sensitivity Manually

    ISO Sensitivity - Reacting Faster to Light "lSO sensitivity" is the digital equivalent of film speed. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing higher shutter speeds or smaller apertures. This chapter describes how to set ISO sensitivity manually and automatically.
  • Page 120 ISO sensitivity can be set to values between ISO 200 and ISO 3200 in steps equivalent to 1/3 EV. Settings of from about 0.3-1 EV below ISO 200 and 0.3-1 EV above ISO 3200 are also available for special situations. ISO sensitivity can be adjusted by pressing the ISObutton and...
  • Page 121 ISO Sensitivity Settings The settings available depend on the option selected for Custom Setting bl ([ISO sensitivity step value], pg. 275). (ISO sensitivity step value) ISO sensitivity settings available LO 1, LO 0.7, LO 0.3,200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 1/3 step 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, (default) 3200, HI 0.3, HI 0.7, HI 1...
  • Page 122 If [Off] (the default setting) is chosen for the [ISO sensitivity auto control] option in the shooting menu, ISO sensitivity will remain fixed at the value selected by the user (see page 94). If [On] is chosen, ISO sensitivity will automatically be adjusted if optimal exposure can not be achieved at the value selected by the user...

  • Page 123: Exposure Mode

    Auto ISO Sensitivity Control Noise is more likely at higher sensitivities. Usethe [High ISO NR] option in the shooting menu to reduce noise (see page 263). When a flash is used, the value selected for [Minimum shutter speed] is ignored in favor of the option selected for Custom Setting el [[Flash sync speed], pg.
  • Page 124 No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION. NIKONCORPORATION Fuji Bldg., Marunouchi 3-chome, Printed in Europe Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo...

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